Fujitsu and Nagoya University collaborate to create AI-driven technology for expandable ride-sharing services.
Fujitsu and Nagoya University Develop AI-Based Simulation Technology for Ride-Hailing Services
Japanese electronics giant Fujitsu Ltd. and Nagoya University have jointly developed an artificial intelligence (AI)-based simulation technology called the social acceptance model-based simulation (SAMSIM) to promote ride-hailing services among elderly residents. This technology is set to be put into practical use in fiscal 2026.
The aim of this technology is to overcome psychological barriers such as unfamiliarity and distrust of new mobility options, particularly in the case of ride-hailing services. SAMSIM predicts human behavior in digital simulations based on resident surveys and psychological factors influencing willingness to use services, such as perceived safety, usefulness, and trust.
Through AI-powered digital rehearsal and simulations, the technology analyzes problems in existing ride-hailing and demand-responsive ride-sharing taxi services and identifies effective public relations and vehicle deployment strategies within constraints like budget and vehicle numbers. For instance, a trial in Kawanishi town, western Japan, showed that many residents were unaware of ride-sharing services or their benefits; after applying the simulation’s recommendations, the demand among virtual residents increased by around 20%.
By enabling local governments and service operators to test and optimize strategies digitally before actual implementation, this technology helps address psychological hurdles, increase public awareness and acceptance, and maximize utilization rates despite limited resources like fewer drivers or vehicles. The technology can also be extended to other domains such as healthcare and community development.
The trial in Kawanishi, Nara Prefecture, was conducted with a focus on elderly residents and businesses facing a shortage of drivers. The challenge of spreading emerging mobility services, such as ride-hailing and demand-responsive ride-sharing taxis, is the psychological hurdle of people's unfamiliarity with how to use them. The trial aimed to find effective methods to increase the utilization rate of demand-responsive ride-sharing taxi services.
In summary, Fujitsu and Nagoya University’s AI-based simulation helps promote ride-hailing for elderly residents by predicting and influencing their behavior, identifying impactful awareness strategies, and simulating optimal service deployment to overcome psychological and logistical barriers effectively. The technology is planned for practical use starting fiscal 2026.
- The AI-based simulation technology developed by Fujitsu and Nagoya University is not only limited to ride-hailing services but can also be extended to other industries such as healthcare and community development.
- The technology's focus on overcoming psychological barriers like unfamiliarity and distrust extends beyond ride-hailing, as it can be useful in promoting acceptance of new technology in various business sectors, including the transport industry and artificial intelligence.
- In addition to its practical use in ride-hailing, this AI technology can revolutionize the photography industry by helping photographers simulate and analyze the impact of different marketing strategies, enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of their promotional efforts.
- With its ability to predict human behavior based on various factors, this AI-based simulation technology can contribute significantly to the field of finance, not only improving service delivery but also assisting in making informed financial decisions based on predicted consumer behavior trends.
